The Saudi real estate sector will enter 2026 at a critical crossroads, where market variables, evolving regulations, accelerating digital transformation, and rising expectations of investors and consumers alike intersect, according to a survey conducted by Amlak real estate newspaper with a number of experts and specialists.
The Saudi real estate sector will enter the year 2026 at a critical crossroads, where market variables, evolving regulations, accelerating digital transformation, and rising expectations of investors and consumers alike intersect.
Hisham Al Aifan: Our ambition goes beyond the implementation of projects to create a professional model
Hisham Al Aifan
First, Hisham Al Aifan, General Manager of Ruwad Al Omran and Development Company, said that they view 2026 as a real maturity stage Saudi real estate market, not just a year of change, noting that preparations are based on three parallel tracks: strengthening internal governance, expanding qualitative real estate development, and raising the efficiency of real estate brokerage by relying on data and deep market analysis, ensuring the sustainability and quality of the investment decision. Aifan said that the company is looking forward to the year 2026 to be a real maturity stage for the Saudi real estate market.
About the expected changes, Al Aifan said: "In 2026, we expect the market to move from a phase of rapid growth to a phase of smart selection, where projects with real added value will advance and demand for integrated development that considers quality of life, operational efficiency, and compliance with regulations will increase. We will also see a stronger presence of Property Technologies (PropTech) in marketing, valuation, and asset management.
Hopeful real estate regulation updates
Hopeful real estate regulation updates
Aifan hopes that 2026 will see more integration between development, brokerage, and real estate registration systems, reducing time, minimizing procedural overlap, and increasing transparency. We also aspire to expand the scope of empowering the professional real estate broker and linking the license to clear performance and quality indicators that preserve the rights of all parties and enhance confidence in the market.
Making a professional model
Hisham Al Aifan explained that their ambition goes beyond the implementation of projects to create a professional model in real estate development and brokerage; a model that balances between profitability and responsibility, between speed of achievement and quality of outputs. In 2026, we seek to launch thoughtful development projects, expand our strategic partnerships, and build a work system that keeps pace with the Kingdom's vision of a sustainable and attractive real estate sector.
Asim Al-Jughaiman: We will witness a change and real estate awareness in consumer behavior
Asim Al-Jughaiman, business development manager at Avid Real Estate, said their preparations are centered on: Asim Al-Jughaiman, business development manager at Avid Real Estate, said
Digital Transformation: We live in an accelerated world where all the changes around us are related to digitization and technology, so we need to pay attention today in using digital technologies to improve the way business is managed and increase efficiency, profitability and customer experience, instead of relying on traditional or manual methods. Digital Transformation: Digital Transformation.
Reliance on data and analysis: meaning that actual numbers and information are used to make the right business decisions instead of relying on randomness. Reliance on data and analysis:
Data and analysis helps us to know the real performance of the business, analyze the reasons for profit and loss, predict future demand, improve planning, and thus make accurate decisions, lower costs, and higher profits. Reliance on data and analysis:
Building an ambitious team: Where employees are organized and roles are distributed among them in a way that achieves the vision and goals of the facility; relying on choosing the right people for each task according to their skills and abilities and developing and improving them if needed. Motivation and continuous training also contribute to the development of team performance. The result, God willing, is a cooperative and integrated team that works efficiently and achieves business success.
Jughaiman explained that there are positive changes expected this year, namely:
Automation and artificial intelligence: meaning the use of modern technologies to perform repetitive tasks automatically, helping to reduce effort, time and human error in daily operations. It may contribute to improving customer service such as automated responses and smart recommendations and supports faster and more accurate decision-making leading to a more efficient outcome and improved overall performance. Automation and Artificial Intelligence:
Changing consumer behavior so that they become more aware and understand products and services before making a purchase decision, so that digital transformation helps in consumer behavior of comparing and viewing reviews. Awareness also contributes to reducing impulse buying and increasing value for money. The consumer becomes more concerned with the quality of the actual need. The result is a mature market and rational purchasing decisions.
High standards and transparency of governance means clarity of procedures and decisions within the organization, including the disclosure of financial and administrative information in an organized and accurate manner, as governance helps to regulate powers and reduce errors, and transparency enhances trust between the merchant, customers, and the company.
These standards contribute to improving the reputation of the facility and its uses so that there is a more controlled and credible business environment.
About the updates of real estate regulations, Al-Jughaiman said: "There is no doubt that the regulations and their development take the market towards more justice and safety, as well as towards raising the level of trust and transparency between all parties to the process."
The clearer and more up-to-date the regulations are, the less erroneous diligence, the fewer disputes, and the safer and more stable the investment in real estate becomes." Asim Al-Jughaiman stated that this year they will move towards building a strong entity that does not depend on one individual, creating real and sustainable value that adds to the market and serves the community, focusing on quality performance, and thoughtful expansion. Building clear systems that help us achieve sustainability and growth.
